Toy Bulldog is originated from United Kingdom but Belgian Griffon is originated from Belgium. Toy Bulldog may grow 15 cm / 6 inches higher than Belgian Griffon. Toy Bulldog may weigh 12 kg / 27 pounds more than Belgian Griffon. Both Toy Bulldog and Belgian Griffon has almost same life span. Both Toy Bulldog and Belgian Griffon has almost same litter size. Toy Bulldog requires Low maintenance. But Belgian Griffon requires Moderate maintenance
It is believed that the reason for this is that there were different breeding groups working in different directions. One of the groups wanted a smaller dog and there was also an attempt to cross French Bulldogs with Bulldogs to decrease their weight, but this breed was also not developed.
The Belgian Griffon isn’t your most attractive dog, but maybe its his quirky, gremlin looks that makes him such an adored pet for many. There are different varieties of Griffon, and the Belgian- and Brussels Griffon are one and the same. All small Belgian dogs have the same breed standards, with the Belgian having a rough coat The dog hails from Belguim and its ancestors were no doubt a mix of the Belgian street dog, the Stable Griffon and the Affenpinscher.
Later on in the 1800s, this combination was then crossed with the Pug, giving the dog the brachycephalic or flat faced look.
Unfortunately no written records were kept about the precise origin of this breed, but there is also the idea that the King Charles- and English Toy Spaniel were also involved in its development. These small dogs were bred to catch rats in the barns of European estates.
The Toy Bulldog was a medium sized dog standing at between 25 to 35cm in height and weighing between 11 and 18kg.
The coat of the dog was short and smooth and came in colors such as white and fawn, red or brindle. He had quite a bit of soft skin around the face and neck.
He was a small dog with a large body, short legs, broad muzzle, small ears and a docked tail.
The coat was glossy and short and they had soft skin and hair around the neck and head. They come in a variety of different colors ranging from pale yellow, light fawn to solid red.
The Toy Bulldog was a loyal and affectionate dog towards his human family It’s a pity he became extinct because he was amusing and entertaining, a great friend and companion.
They were calm dogs and didn’t require a lot of space and would have adapted well to life in the city or the countryside.
There are different variations of this dog to give it its distinctive look and size. This quaint looking little Griffon canine comes with two different coat types - soft or wiry. With the Belgian Griffon, his wiry coat of red, tan or black will need to be brushed at least twice a week. Shedding with this dog is seasonal.
He has a compact, sturdy little body, and he trots around with attitude. With his sharp pointed ears and whiskers, he has been given the nickname ‘bearded dog’. His dark black eyes are alert. He is self-confident, intelligent and curious breed, a great family pet and good with children if he has grown up with them in the home. He is good with other pets. The fact that this is a small breed and that he doesn’t have excessive energy levels, means he is adaptable to city- and country living.
The Toy Bulldog was friendly, docile, calm and gentle although tending to be a little bit stubborn.
He no doubt made a wonderful pet and would have been ideal for single people, families as well as older people. He would have made a splendid pet, and would have been an indoor kind of pet.
Not particularly high in energy, he would have enjoyed some exercise just to ensure he didn’t put on weight. He’s extinct now, but there are other popular bull dog breeds, and something of him lives on in these modern bulldogs.
The Belgian Griffon is an affectionate pet and often establishes a strong bond with one member of the family. You’ll have your Griffon with you for about 15 years so make sure he is trained and a pleasure to have around.They are difficult to train, being somewhat stubborn so they are going to require patience. They’re sensitive too, and they won’t respond well to aggressive treatment.
They’re much more indoor dogs than outdoor dogs because they’re also vulnerable to heat stroke. They just want to come indoors and be with their human family, and when you do that for them, they’ll become a wonderful friend and companion to you.
It is believed that that these dogs were healthy in their day but were no doubt prone to some canine illness issues just like any other dogs.
They would likely have battled with eye issues such as cherry eye, as well as joint problems.
Cherry eye in dogs may not mean your dog’s life is in danger, but left untreated it can cause bigger eye problems later on.
Unlike a human being, a dog has 3 eyelids, with the 3rd one giving added protection to the dog’s eyes. It’s job is to keep dirt from entering the eyes.
There is a gland in the 3rd eyelid which can move out of place and then it bulges. This is what cherry eye is. The eye becomes irritated and the gland produces discharge. It is best to get your dog to the vet who has the skills and know-how to push the gland back into place.
When you get your Griffon from a reputable breeder, you always have a better chance that he’ll be healthy. As it is, the Belgian Griffon has few hereditary health issues. However his dark eyes will have some genetic problems to contend with and he could suffer with progressive retinal atrophy. This is an illness which can lead to blindness
Syringomyelia – this is a neurological condition – an abnormality of the spinal cord – a disease which occurs more frequently in small breeds. It can cause your pet to endure a lot of pain.
Birthing Issues - these little dogs often have problems with giving birth, and a vet often has to intervene and perform a cesarean.
The Toy Bulldog would have needed healthy, quality food to remain healthy. It is believed he became extinct in the early 1900s. Maybe there weren't commercially manufactured dog foods then. Their owners possibly tossed them scraps from the table.
Any dog would have to receive a good quota of vitamins and minerals in their food to stay healthy. If the dog was around today, you would read on the packaging label to see what to give him and definitely include some tasty home-made food too.
Nothing spicy and exotic – just plain, boiled chicken, brown rice, sweet potatoes and spinach. Simple foods like this ensure a dog remains free of stomach ailments.
The Toy Bulldog with his short coat would have been easy to groom. He would have required a brush twice a week.
You had to be careful with a dog like this. He didn’t tolerate the heat well. He was not suited for running or jogging and could have developed heat stroke and weakness with his excessive panting. All the huffing and puffing and sweating would have irritated his skin as well.
He would have needed a warm, dry place to sleep indoors. If he went outside, he would have required shade and sunshine to lie in.
The Belgian Griffon will do well if you invest in high quality foods. You can make your own, but if you’re concerned about his health, it would be best to check what ingredients should go into his home-prepared meals to ensure he gets all the vitamins and minerals he needs.
If you want to go with commercially manufactured dog foods, check with your vet about wet- and dry foods. Your vet will help with choosing a food appropriate to his size and age. Always ensure that there is clean, fresh water available to your pet.
Even though he is a small breed, he is fairly active and he will need his fair share of exercise like ball games and walks. Training and socialization are a must for him. You’ll notice that training isn’t particularly easy with this breed, and first time dog owners might not have the patience with him.